why DX7 and not DX6i?

[ualdrivr]

Hi guys,

I am planing a build on a T-Rex 500 and I am wondering since we never use 7 channels on a helicopter why spend all that money for a DX7 when the DX6i will do the job. Now I know that the DX7 has 20 model memory vs 10 model memory on the DX6i, but for a $180 the DX6i is a good deal.

I still see a lot of guys here in the forum that have DX7 and they are using 6 channel receivers.

What do you guys think the 7th channel can be used for, if all I'm going to fly is Helicopters. Is it for future proofing my purchase?:arggg:

Can anyone shed some light on that? Thanks.

[int2str]

I'm a huge fan of the DX6i, and I think you're basically right - it's all you need. And it's a very nice remote. Easy to program, easy on the batteries and performs well.

That's said, if I had to "start from scratch", I'd probably go with the DX7. The menu structure is much more confusing and not as nice as on the DX6i, but the 7th channel would be kind of nice. Think camera trigger, lights, drop-able cargo :D. Also, you can add a nitro heli to your fleet down the road without any problems.

But if the DX6i meets your requirements, I would highly recommend it.

Do go to a local hobby store though and hold both in your hands. The DX6i is quite a bit larger. Depending on your hand size and personal preference, you might like the smaller DX7 better.

[ualdrivr]

Good advise. Thank you.

[Pinecone]

My advice is always to buy the BEST Tx you can afford. You will have many Rxes, helis, motors, batteries, ESCs, blades, etc. But typically only one Tx. Buying less Tx now, means it is more likely that you will have to buy more Tx later.

That is why I fly an X9303. :)

[ag4ever]

My advice is always to buy the BEST Tx you can afford. You will have many Rxes, helis, motors, batteries, ESCs, blades, etc. But typically only one Tx. Buying less Tx now, means it is more likely that you will have to buy more Tx later.

That is why I fly an X9303. :)

I agree with this to a point.

When I first started getting air frequency radios, I went with a non basic Futaba 6ax. At the time is was a higher to middle of the road radio. Not a basic radio, but not the professional radios. I thought that was all I would need for a very long time. Well, I flew it for a while, but when I really started getting into the sport some 10+ years latter, I realised it did not have a bunch of the programing I really needed or wanted. If I had gone with an even more expensive radio, I would have still been in the same boat, but just not sinking as fast.

So I was left with a choice recently, what radio to upgrade to. I had a 6 channel radio that works fine, but is not as robust as I wanted. I was depating between the DX7, x9303 and the 12x.

In the end I decided on the DX7 because, I knew by the time I wanted or needed all the features I would get from the x9303 or the 12x, there would be a new radio on the market I would want, and the x9303 or 12x would be old school.

So while I agree there are times you should go all out and get the best, there are times it makes sense to only buy what you need for the near future, and upgrade at a latter time.

Almost all electronics fall into this catagory due to their typical life cycles.

For me the reason I went with the DX7 in lieu of the DX6i was:

1) The DX6i looks like a toy transmitter to me. Just my personal opinion.

2) I needed 7 channels for my Giant Scale Corsair I am building.

3) The DX7 does have more features for planes than the DX6i, and since I am just starting with Helis, and have a numbe rof planes, that was important to me.

[BikeNBoatN]

If you ever think you might go into scale, then more channels is better. Retracts, lights, guns, etc.

I'm pretty lucky--I was able to get working retracts on my TRex-450 Airwolf with a just 6-ch tx. The only way I could do it was to use a GY240 gyro (with no remote gain) and a 180* retract servo. By using the gyro gain channel and connecting the retract servo to it, I was able to control my retracts using the Idle-up switch. If I had a 7-ch tx, then I could use a better gyro and still have a separate switch for retracts.

[marchambault]

I love all the mixes available in the x9303, the analog throttle trim is much better for planes. Plus you can reassign switches as you wish. The DX7 does have a better feel than the DX6i. Feel is just as important as features. If you can, try holding each of them, reach for switches, etc...